We, the members and families of SOCAL Soccer League, believe that referees are essential to the integrity, safety, and enjoyment of the game we all love.

Yet, the shortage of qualified referees, the lack of local continuing education, and the challenges surrounding referee retention have reached a breaking point. We see it every weekend, canceled games, overworked officials, and referees leaving the sport due to verbal abuse and lack of support.

SOCAL has invested significant time and resources into developing solutions  which include the creation of the Referee Institute of Soccer Excellence (RISE), a program designed to improve referee training, mentorship, and ongoing education as well as hiring a Director of Referee Programming and Development. 

But in order to make real progress, we need the ability to run local certification courses, provide advanced training, and manage referee development programs directly within SOCAL — while still recognizing the U.S. Soccer certification structure.

Unfortunately, these initiatives cannot move forward without greater flexibility from the governing bodies who currently control the referee certification and education process in our state.

Our Goal
We, the parents, players, and families of SOCAL Soccer League, respectfully call upon U.S. Soccer and Cal South to:

Allow SOCAL Soccer League to coexist within the framework of the State Referee Association, under Cal South, and operate its own referee certification courses and continuing education programs under the existing U.S. Soccer structure.

Empower SOCAL to reinvest course funds directly into referee training, mentorship, and support.

Grant SOCAL oversight to manage, track, and mentor referees certified through our programs, ensuring they receive ongoing education, encouragement, and professional growth opportunities.

Why This Matters
Without more referees, there are no games.
Without proper education and mentorship, officials quit.
Without respect and support, the referee pool will continue to shrink.

Every family, player, and coach has a stake in solving this crisis. By signing this petition, you are helping SOCAL advocate for meaningful change — to build a better, safer, and more sustainable future for youth soccer across Southern California.

We stand together to say:
It’s time to create a referee system that works and looks to improve. One built on respect, education, accountability, and collaboration.

Please add your name and support below to help SOCAL lead the way in making that change possible. Let's use our voices to be the change we want to see!